Rome has seen its fair share of heartbreak over the last 2,773 years, but there has always been a silver lining.

Italy’s ancient capital has endured plagues, a number of invasions, sackings, civil war, fires, floods and earthquakes.

And now, of course, it is confronted with the coronavirus.

Northern Italy remains the hardest hit by the pandemic, but the anniversary of Rome’s founding is a unique opportunity to look back at a history that has endured far greater challenges than COVID-19.

According to ancient mythology, Rome was founded on April 21 in the year 753 BC, after infant twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, abandoned by their mother washed up on the shore of the Tiber River and were raised by a she-wolf. As they say, the rest is history.

To ring in the founding of one of the world’s greatest city’s, organizations are hosting virtual tours and activities, instead of the usual parades and festivities.

Click here, and take a look.